Sure everything matches up internally, diff grade or quality of metals used for a crank can change durability.

From some of the info I have in 2003 for the 2.0L the quality of the crank changed to save money.

The design however did not.

 

Never heard that, but if it is true, I wouldn't really bank on it being a weaker engine because of it.

 

In real world daily driving I would tend to agree, In racing applications is the only place it should matter.